While Byron Cozamanis was away in Port Lincoln, he had a worthy stable representative, April Matthews, in charge of affairs at Caulfield.

Whether it was a woman’s touch that did the trick, Vatican showed plenty of tenacity to defeat It Is Written in the Vintage Photobooths Plate.

The start of the race was delayed for a couple of minutes when Dusty Star was withdrawn after suffering an injury in the starting gate.

Vatican began quickly but was soon headed by Dream Face who had set up a handy lead just before the turn; the winner was now in hot pursuit.

Once Vatican reached the lead he looked to be set up for a big win, until It Is Written appeared on the scene, he was running on at the rate of knots.

When the judge called a holt there was just a long head between them, another couple of hops, the decision would have been reversed.

The price about the winner was surprising as there was form around him, with $21 each way it was attractive value.

African Pulse started favourite after coming off two recent wins, he was disappointing, maybe he is looking for a break, he has been up a fair while. 

Vatican just defeating It Is Written